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The Universe After #2
A Chain Across the Dawn
Drew Williams continues the Universe After series with A Chain Across the Dawn, an epic space opera chase across the galaxy with witty banter, fantastical planets, and a seemingly unbeatable foe.
"The only thing more fun than a bonkers space battle is a whole book packed with bonkers space battles. Come for the exploding spaceships, stay for the intriguing universe."—Becky Chambers, on The Stars Now Unclaimed
It’s been three years since Esa left her backwater planet to join the ranks of the Justified. Together, she and fellow agent Jane Kamali have been traveling across the known universe, searching for children who share Esa’s supernatural gifts.
On a visit to a particularly remote planet, they learn that they’re not the only ones searching for gifted children. They find themselves on the tail of a mysterious being with impossible powers who will stop at nothing to get his hands on the very children that Esa and Jane are trying to save.
With their latest recruit in tow—a young Wulf boy named Sho—Esa and Jane must track their strange foe across the galaxy in search of answers. But the more they learn, the clearer it becomes—their enemy may be harder to defeat than they ever could have imagined.
"The only thing more fun than a bonkers space battle is a whole book packed with bonkers space battles. Come for the exploding spaceships, stay for the intriguing universe."—Becky Chambers, on The Stars Now Unclaimed
It’s been three years since Esa left her backwater planet to join the ranks of the Justified. Together, she and fellow agent Jane Kamali have been traveling across the known universe, searching for children who share Esa’s supernatural gifts.
On a visit to a particularly remote planet, they learn that they’re not the only ones searching for gifted children. They find themselves on the tail of a mysterious being with impossible powers who will stop at nothing to get his hands on the very children that Esa and Jane are trying to save.
With their latest recruit in tow—a young Wulf boy named Sho—Esa and Jane must track their strange foe across the galaxy in search of answers. But the more they learn, the clearer it becomes—their enemy may be harder to defeat than they ever could have imagined.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2019
32 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
August 28, 2019
Taking place 3 years after the events of The Stars Now Unclaimed, William’s has returned with a story just as explosive and full of high stakes. A Chain Across The Dawn again follows Justified agent Jane Kamali and her now protégé Esa as they continue to search the stars for gifted children. Their ultimate goal – stopping the return of the pulse. However, if you’ve read the first book you’ll know, the cosmos doesn’t ever make things easy for them.
I think I enjoyed this one even more than Stars! Though not as battle heavy as its forerunner, Chain still has its fair share of action. With a new mission, a new mysterious antagonist, and added secrets and twist the story grips you from the get go. The switch up in narrator gave a refreshing perspective to this compelling universe Williams’ has created, and it was great to see Esa further come to terms with her powers. The whole cast of characters with faces both old and new were as great as ever, but Schaz will forever be my favourite!!
I’m really looking forward to seeing where this story goes next in the final instalment Firmament of Flame, out next year. As I've said before if you're a fan of James S. A. Corey and Becky Chambers, or action-packed sci-fi in general then this series is for you!
I think I enjoyed this one even more than Stars! Though not as battle heavy as its forerunner, Chain still has its fair share of action. With a new mission, a new mysterious antagonist, and added secrets and twist the story grips you from the get go. The switch up in narrator gave a refreshing perspective to this compelling universe Williams’ has created, and it was great to see Esa further come to terms with her powers. The whole cast of characters with faces both old and new were as great as ever, but Schaz will forever be my favourite!!
I’m really looking forward to seeing where this story goes next in the final instalment Firmament of Flame, out next year. As I've said before if you're a fan of James S. A. Corey and Becky Chambers, or action-packed sci-fi in general then this series is for you!
September 11, 2021
This sequel switches narrators from Jane in the original story, to her rescued orphan protégé Esa.
The pace slows noticeably, as a big baddie is established in an emergent structure for the rest of the series. There's still a high action count for what is a short novel by modern Sci-Fi standards.
While generally well-written and following a nice simple linear plot, there are a string of little irritants that combined to drop a star from my rating of the first novel:
Williams doubles down on his use of italics for emphasis of specific words in ALL his dialogue. It's really condescending, and causes all characters to sound as if they're in a state of perpetual furious plot machinations.
I'll *go* to the %%@& *bathroom* *whenever* I want to, fool!
Oh yeah? That's *not* what you *said* last time I asked you to *#%^% *clean* the can, is it?
Almost all characters use over-the-top profanity in place of calm assurance or educated expression. This has the opposite effect on me than Williams probably intended, moving into "Lucasing" territory. (confirmed by a quick peek at the author photo in the book jacket). It's just like the scene at the beginning of Office Space, where the boring white-collar protagonist is driving through rush hour traffic to the office, gangsta rap blasting and all windows down. Then he pulls alongside a car containing some African-Americans, and puts his windows up and drops the stereo volume, while staring fixedly straight ahead.
Whenever bullets stop flying long enough, Esa usually tries to guess just how old Jane is, in an attempt at humour that itself gets old immediately. Williams seems delighted by his own ingenuity, and keeps this groaner of a gag going WAY too long, before it fizzes out just before the last act.
Outside of the set-piece fight scenes, there's not a lot of meat here. The story is set 3 years further along than the first novel, but character development is explicitly claimed by the narrator, rather than evidenced by the reader. I'm still sufficiently invested in the characters and the plot to crack on with the third book in the series, but this could have been a stronger novel all round.
The pace slows noticeably, as a big baddie is established in an emergent structure for the rest of the series. There's still a high action count for what is a short novel by modern Sci-Fi standards.
While generally well-written and following a nice simple linear plot, there are a string of little irritants that combined to drop a star from my rating of the first novel:
Williams doubles down on his use of italics for emphasis of specific words in ALL his dialogue. It's really condescending, and causes all characters to sound as if they're in a state of perpetual furious plot machinations.
I'll *go* to the %%@& *bathroom* *whenever* I want to, fool!
Oh yeah? That's *not* what you *said* last time I asked you to *#%^% *clean* the can, is it?
Almost all characters use over-the-top profanity in place of calm assurance or educated expression. This has the opposite effect on me than Williams probably intended, moving into "Lucasing" territory. (confirmed by a quick peek at the author photo in the book jacket). It's just like the scene at the beginning of Office Space, where the boring white-collar protagonist is driving through rush hour traffic to the office, gangsta rap blasting and all windows down. Then he pulls alongside a car containing some African-Americans, and puts his windows up and drops the stereo volume, while staring fixedly straight ahead.
Whenever bullets stop flying long enough, Esa usually tries to guess just how old Jane is, in an attempt at humour that itself gets old immediately. Williams seems delighted by his own ingenuity, and keeps this groaner of a gag going WAY too long, before it fizzes out just before the last act.
Outside of the set-piece fight scenes, there's not a lot of meat here. The story is set 3 years further along than the first novel, but character development is explicitly claimed by the narrator, rather than evidenced by the reader. I'm still sufficiently invested in the characters and the plot to crack on with the third book in the series, but this could have been a stronger novel all round.
May 9, 2022
I have to put this down for a bit because I started having nightmares about my boys being in danger. I'll pick it back up when I can, though, because I love Jane and Scheherazade and Esa. (Omg everybody, I just typed "Scheherazade" correctly on the first try! This is a big day.)
Apparently, covid brain fog made me not as worried about the boys (or more confident that Esa and Jane Can Handle It) because I've picked it back up again. I'm making LUDICROUSLY slow progress, but very much enjoying it. Esa and Jane's relationship may be the best thing ever. (Especially Esa's hair, and how long it took Jane to cotton on to the age joke.)
Apparently, covid brain fog made me not as worried about the boys (or more confident that Esa and Jane Can Handle It) because I've picked it back up again. I'm making LUDICROUSLY slow progress, but very much enjoying it. Esa and Jane's relationship may be the best thing ever. (Especially Esa's hair, and how long it took Jane to cotton on to the age joke.)
May 3, 2022
Absolutely brilliant, with the galaxy's best spaceship!
Having read and loved the first book, I couldn't wait to read this one. And I wasn't disappointed! The first book was brilliant, in my opinion, and this carried that on.
As before, what really sold it for me was the wonderful characterisation - all the characters were well developed and just made sense. Obviously my favourite still is Schaz, the spaceship, who has a wonderful line in pithy and sarcastic comments. But the other characters were also great, with Sho being a wonderful addition, and the author also managed to give character to a being made of fire, presumably not the easiest thing to do.
In addition to the excellent characters in this story, there is the story itself. Well, it was fantastic. You could never predict what twist the story was going to take, which was great, and there were just some wonderful ideas. There were, towards the end, more pages of talking than action, but this was necessary to take stock of what had happened and why it was happening, before as usual the action taking over and completing the story.
I was overjoyed to find, at the end, that there will be a third story out next year, and will certainly be looking out for that one! If you like real good, slightly old fashioned scifi (not space opera, not fantasy), with a brilliant story as the main component, then I cannot recommend this highly enough.
Having read and loved the first book, I couldn't wait to read this one. And I wasn't disappointed! The first book was brilliant, in my opinion, and this carried that on.
As before, what really sold it for me was the wonderful characterisation - all the characters were well developed and just made sense. Obviously my favourite still is Schaz, the spaceship, who has a wonderful line in pithy and sarcastic comments. But the other characters were also great, with Sho being a wonderful addition, and the author also managed to give character to a being made of fire, presumably not the easiest thing to do.
In addition to the excellent characters in this story, there is the story itself. Well, it was fantastic. You could never predict what twist the story was going to take, which was great, and there were just some wonderful ideas. There were, towards the end, more pages of talking than action, but this was necessary to take stock of what had happened and why it was happening, before as usual the action taking over and completing the story.
I was overjoyed to find, at the end, that there will be a third story out next year, and will certainly be looking out for that one! If you like real good, slightly old fashioned scifi (not space opera, not fantasy), with a brilliant story as the main component, then I cannot recommend this highly enough.
August 19, 2019
“To continue the metaphor, I believe, if I was human, you might describe me as ‘high as a motherfuckering kite.’ I feel great.” - Scheherazade, The Stars All Unclaimed
Set 3 years after the events in All the Stars Unclaimed, ACCATD is a fantastic continuation in Williams' The Universe After series.
I read it over the course of a day, and was constantly thinking about where in the cosmos the story was going to take us next. I definitely preferred the story being told from Esa's point if view this time around, as opposed to Jane's in the first book - this was especially fun because we got to see Esa working on her powers from an inside perspective. The addition of several new characters was welcome, and the return of some familiar faces had me grinning like a loon. I thought that the Big Bad was creeeeepy, nothing quite so horrifying than a zealot who doesn't give af. My favourite character, again, was Schaz, I mean, who doesn't love a sentient AI.
With space pirates, mental space fights, more guns than you know what to do with, extremely hair raising situations, mortal danger, a really smart kid who is also a Wulf, telekinesis, huge explosions and big ass plot reveals - you're in for a great time. Check it out - 5☆.
Thank you to @darkroomtours for arranging this tour and to @simonschusteruk for sending me copies of both books one exchange for an honest review.
Set 3 years after the events in All the Stars Unclaimed, ACCATD is a fantastic continuation in Williams' The Universe After series.
I read it over the course of a day, and was constantly thinking about where in the cosmos the story was going to take us next. I definitely preferred the story being told from Esa's point if view this time around, as opposed to Jane's in the first book - this was especially fun because we got to see Esa working on her powers from an inside perspective. The addition of several new characters was welcome, and the return of some familiar faces had me grinning like a loon. I thought that the Big Bad was creeeeepy, nothing quite so horrifying than a zealot who doesn't give af. My favourite character, again, was Schaz, I mean, who doesn't love a sentient AI.
With space pirates, mental space fights, more guns than you know what to do with, extremely hair raising situations, mortal danger, a really smart kid who is also a Wulf, telekinesis, huge explosions and big ass plot reveals - you're in for a great time. Check it out - 5☆.
Thank you to @darkroomtours for arranging this tour and to @simonschusteruk for sending me copies of both books one exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2021
Such an enjoyable writing style! This sequel feels like coming home.
May 2, 2019
As of today, May 2nd 2019, I've only read a NetGalley preview excerpt of the book. Thus, I can't really review it properly, so I'm giving it a "safe" 3 star review, even though I enjoyed the excerpt a lot. I really, really like this series, and I'm looking forward to reading the entirety of "A Chain Across the Dawn" soon, and update this review accordingly when I do.
**Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free excerpt of the book**
**Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free excerpt of the book**
February 28, 2021
I didn't think I'd like this book much, as I started reading it, and it wasn't from Jane's POV. But I did like it very much. The third book is stuck at the library thats currently closed for a week due to Covid, but the first day that is in my hands, I'm digging in and reading it. Very excited to see what happens to our friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2019
First off, If you listened to the audiobook for book one, Read the second book. This narrator is fantastic in the first book, but with a 17 year old main character, her whiny, insecure traumatized voice for the last act and a half almost made me stop listening.
I really enjoyed the first book in the series, amazing universe, cool multiple species with a unique universe and storyline. In my opinion the author made a critical mistake making switching the protagonist's perspective from Jane to Esa. It turned this book into a young adult novel. Also, there seemed to be inconsistencies with Esa's emotional and intellectual intelligence that did not mesh with that of a 17-year old girl from a primitive planet with only 3 years of education. Ever heard a 17-year old use the word detritus over and over again? The plot completely freezes at sections where Esa stops for self-reflection and her descriptions are way outside that of a 17 year olds vocabulary, not to mention all the maternal characters arguing about what is best for her. Mo and Preacher's concern regarding Jane having a negative influence on Esa, please kill me now. I personally found it to be forced, unoriginal and totally uninteresting. Being chased across the galaxy by a villain committing atrocities for the entire book only to find out he was after the main character the whole time? Shocker. It felt like the author delayed the storyline until he no longer could and then became uninterested and ended it quickly and predictabley. I really, really wanted to like this book and there are a lot of great things about it if you can look past the forced young adult themes and plot. On the other hand, if you like young adult novels, you'll probably love this one!
I really enjoyed the first book in the series, amazing universe, cool multiple species with a unique universe and storyline. In my opinion the author made a critical mistake making switching the protagonist's perspective from Jane to Esa. It turned this book into a young adult novel. Also, there seemed to be inconsistencies with Esa's emotional and intellectual intelligence that did not mesh with that of a 17-year old girl from a primitive planet with only 3 years of education. Ever heard a 17-year old use the word detritus over and over again? The plot completely freezes at sections where Esa stops for self-reflection and her descriptions are way outside that of a 17 year olds vocabulary, not to mention all the maternal characters arguing about what is best for her. Mo and Preacher's concern regarding Jane having a negative influence on Esa, please kill me now. I personally found it to be forced, unoriginal and totally uninteresting. Being chased across the galaxy by a villain committing atrocities for the entire book only to find out he was after the main character the whole time? Shocker. It felt like the author delayed the storyline until he no longer could and then became uninterested and ended it quickly and predictabley. I really, really wanted to like this book and there are a lot of great things about it if you can look past the forced young adult themes and plot. On the other hand, if you like young adult novels, you'll probably love this one!
May 15, 2019
This book takes place 3 years later and starts with as much crazy action as the first, and is told solely from Esa's perspective. There is a new threat that appears from out of nowhere who can do things no one else can, and who is willing to kill anyone and everyone. Figuring out this new threat leads to some answers and causes Esa to focus on getting control of her powers. While I enjoyed the story, I missed Jane's perspective and would have liked to have some scenes voiced by her instead. At the end of the book, there is too much internal exposition in the middle of a fast-moving action scene, which unnecessarily slowed the pace of the story. Esa had already been having to come to terms with what she needed to do, so I didn't find it helpful to have so much internal drama, though others may appreciate it more.
February 27, 2020
Love it. A great sequel that has the compelling plot, the characterisations, the occasional humour and the thrilling climax that the previous book had, but with a totally different plot and finale.
I love the way it's written and couldn't wait to find out what was happening next.
I love the way it's written and couldn't wait to find out what was happening next.
August 13, 2019
**I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for participation in the blog tour**
What a book. I absolutely adored this story. It was a cross between an aged up Illuminae series and Guardians of the Galaxy with a lot more profanity. So, of course, I loved it.
I hadn't realised at first that this was the second novel of a series and I think it's a testament to Drew's skill as a writer that it manages to stand on its own without leaving the reader needing further clarification on any points. I imagine that the first novel is just as amazing though and that there would be more things I noticed within A Chain Across the Dawn* had I read it. I fully intend to pick it up soon. Well, when I get through some of my ever-growing TBR.
From the characters to the plot everything was incredibly well crafted. I felt like I knew Esa, Jane and Sho by the end of the book and consistently worried about their safety. It takes a tremendous amount of talent to keep a reader truly on the edge of their seat, well I nearly fell off mine reading this. There was a clear structure to the story and though the glowing chap was always going to appear at any point you still had this small shred of hope that 'no, he can't be' because with each encounter Drew up the stakes of their fight.
I bloody love Esa. She doesn't allow anyone else to define her no matter how hard they try to. Those closest to her tend the believe they know best and treat her as though she has no clue, it comes from a caring place but each time she proves to them just how capable she is. She's strong but vulnerable and isn't infallible. She makes mistakes, all the characters in this series do but they pick themselves back up and carry on. None more so than Jane, I loved learning about her background slowly and can't wait to see what happens in the third novel. Sho, my favourite little Wulf. A treasure, an icon. I beg you just let him be happy, Drew.
A brilliant novel and honestly a new favourite.
www.a-novel-idea.co.uk
What a book. I absolutely adored this story. It was a cross between an aged up Illuminae series and Guardians of the Galaxy with a lot more profanity. So, of course, I loved it.
I hadn't realised at first that this was the second novel of a series and I think it's a testament to Drew's skill as a writer that it manages to stand on its own without leaving the reader needing further clarification on any points. I imagine that the first novel is just as amazing though and that there would be more things I noticed within A Chain Across the Dawn* had I read it. I fully intend to pick it up soon. Well, when I get through some of my ever-growing TBR.
From the characters to the plot everything was incredibly well crafted. I felt like I knew Esa, Jane and Sho by the end of the book and consistently worried about their safety. It takes a tremendous amount of talent to keep a reader truly on the edge of their seat, well I nearly fell off mine reading this. There was a clear structure to the story and though the glowing chap was always going to appear at any point you still had this small shred of hope that 'no, he can't be' because with each encounter Drew up the stakes of their fight.
I bloody love Esa. She doesn't allow anyone else to define her no matter how hard they try to. Those closest to her tend the believe they know best and treat her as though she has no clue, it comes from a caring place but each time she proves to them just how capable she is. She's strong but vulnerable and isn't infallible. She makes mistakes, all the characters in this series do but they pick themselves back up and carry on. None more so than Jane, I loved learning about her background slowly and can't wait to see what happens in the third novel. Sho, my favourite little Wulf. A treasure, an icon. I beg you just let him be happy, Drew.
A brilliant novel and honestly a new favourite.
www.a-novel-idea.co.uk
August 14, 2019
I was a little daunted when I first picked this book up when I found out that it was the second in the series (the first is THE STARS NOW UNCLAIMED ), but my fears were soon laid to rest as I found it so easy to catch up with these characters and the world they were in, and now I'm just eager to pick up book one to find out how it all started as I had so much fun reading this and following the 'adventures' of Esa and Jane as they travel to different planets to rescue childen with supernatural abilities - but this time they're not alone as someone else wants these children, and will go to extreme lengths to stop others getting in their way.
The pace is relentless with this story and that's what kept me so engaged! There was always something going on - action, battles and plenty of banter! The main draw of this story I think is the relationship between Esa and Jane and it was fun to see it evolving and to see how much they connect with one another - even if Esa does drive Jane mad with trying to guess her age all the time!
As they travel around they face a lot of danger (mazes of dead people is a new one on me!!) but never lose their humour and I loved the mix of the action with the sassy banter!! My family thought I was mad sometimes when I was reading and would just burst out laughing at the antics going on!
I'm so glad that I was drawn to this book by the stunning cover and the premise of a space 'soap opera' as it definitely delivered on that front! It was great to read about these characters who were faced with some difficult circumstances whilst having to deal with their own emotions and trying to do good. Book 3 of the series will be out in 2020 and I'll definitely be there for that as I can't wait to hear more of Jane and Esa!
The pace is relentless with this story and that's what kept me so engaged! There was always something going on - action, battles and plenty of banter! The main draw of this story I think is the relationship between Esa and Jane and it was fun to see it evolving and to see how much they connect with one another - even if Esa does drive Jane mad with trying to guess her age all the time!
As they travel around they face a lot of danger (mazes of dead people is a new one on me!!) but never lose their humour and I loved the mix of the action with the sassy banter!! My family thought I was mad sometimes when I was reading and would just burst out laughing at the antics going on!
I'm so glad that I was drawn to this book by the stunning cover and the premise of a space 'soap opera' as it definitely delivered on that front! It was great to read about these characters who were faced with some difficult circumstances whilst having to deal with their own emotions and trying to do good. Book 3 of the series will be out in 2020 and I'll definitely be there for that as I can't wait to hear more of Jane and Esa!
August 12, 2019
I recieved a free copy of this book as part of a bookstagram tour.
I'm honestly not sure how I feel about this one... It wasn't quite the same as the first book and it didn't really draw me in as much as the first book... I wouldn't really class its as bigger battles... Not in the same way there was in the first book, which constantly had me on edge.
So this book is told from Esa'a pov. It's set a few years after TSNU, and we get to know Esa some more and watch as she continues to learn to use her TK. I loved the beginning of the book, such great descriptions of their surroundings and I loved Sho's mother... Saying that it was much more mystery than space battles and honestly I feel like it was not finished very well, I still have too many questions but there wasn't really a cliff hanger which confuses me... So many questions posed throughout the book with very little explanations in the end... I know that leaves it open for the next book but still I'm quite unsatisfied.
Overall it was another well written book with some gorgeous descriptions and places. You really get a feel for Esa's journey and her feelings since this one is told from her perspective. It was nice seeing Esa grow a little too.
It was nice meeting a couple new characters and getting to know them, I really liked Mo.
Sho is really cute and wise, I can only assume we'll see him more in the next book, because I think he has more story to tell
I'm honestly not sure how I feel about this one... It wasn't quite the same as the first book and it didn't really draw me in as much as the first book... I wouldn't really class its as bigger battles... Not in the same way there was in the first book, which constantly had me on edge.
So this book is told from Esa'a pov. It's set a few years after TSNU, and we get to know Esa some more and watch as she continues to learn to use her TK. I loved the beginning of the book, such great descriptions of their surroundings and I loved Sho's mother... Saying that it was much more mystery than space battles and honestly I feel like it was not finished very well, I still have too many questions but there wasn't really a cliff hanger which confuses me... So many questions posed throughout the book with very little explanations in the end... I know that leaves it open for the next book but still I'm quite unsatisfied.
Overall it was another well written book with some gorgeous descriptions and places. You really get a feel for Esa's journey and her feelings since this one is told from her perspective. It was nice seeing Esa grow a little too.
It was nice meeting a couple new characters and getting to know them, I really liked Mo.
Sho is really cute and wise, I can only assume we'll see him more in the next book, because I think he has more story to tell
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2021
A Chain across the Dawn is the middle book of The Universe After trilogy. I loved The Stars Now Unclaimed, except for what I thought was a high amount of profanity. I hoped for the best in this book, knowing that the middle book is usually not as strong as the first. After all, it must bridge the first and last book and really cannot wind up too many plot lines. I was pleasantly surprised by this book.
First, it keeps its space opera background going strong. It also has a strong leaning toward science fantasy, with "The Pulse" being the huge backdrop for the story. What it also has is strong characters and a driving storyline. The level of profanity is toned back a tad, which strengthens the book, in my opinion. I wasn't distracted by the language as I read avidly to find out what came next.
The series is highly recommended for fans of science fiction/science fantasy. However, don't start with this book -- start with the first book. This is one of the cases that I would suggest checking for the omnibus volume with the sequel, The Firmament of Flame. I wish I had done that from the start since I immediately bought the sequel.
First, it keeps its space opera background going strong. It also has a strong leaning toward science fantasy, with "The Pulse" being the huge backdrop for the story. What it also has is strong characters and a driving storyline. The level of profanity is toned back a tad, which strengthens the book, in my opinion. I wasn't distracted by the language as I read avidly to find out what came next.
The series is highly recommended for fans of science fiction/science fantasy. However, don't start with this book -- start with the first book. This is one of the cases that I would suggest checking for the omnibus volume with the sequel, The Firmament of Flame. I wish I had done that from the start since I immediately bought the sequel.
April 30, 2021
Set three years from the first book, Esa and Jane now go out looking for other special gifted children to rescue and recruit to join the Justified who will nuture and help them understand their gifts. While rescuing a young boy, they find themselves in a battle against some kind of soldier in some kind of suit that their weapons and Esa's Telekinesis have no effect on and must find a way to stop him as he pursues them across the galaxy.
What I liked:
- Expands on the two main characters, most notably the trauma they have gone through and how its affected them, which was good in an unexpected way
- The battles and action are well-written
What I Didn't Like:
- Whole book feels like a departure as it doesn't deal with the main issues at all of the first book
- Felt like a throwaway volume as there were no major revelations to the story as a whole
Felt very meh about this novel, simply because it didn't do all of what I hoped it would. When I finish the trilogy I will finally see if this book actually had any impact on what happens in the last. Was very meh about the whole book. Will read the last one though.
What I liked:
- Expands on the two main characters, most notably the trauma they have gone through and how its affected them, which was good in an unexpected way
- The battles and action are well-written
What I Didn't Like:
- Whole book feels like a departure as it doesn't deal with the main issues at all of the first book
- Felt like a throwaway volume as there were no major revelations to the story as a whole
Felt very meh about this novel, simply because it didn't do all of what I hoped it would. When I finish the trilogy I will finally see if this book actually had any impact on what happens in the last. Was very meh about the whole book. Will read the last one though.
April 19, 2020
Solid space opera ... good characters and a well-paced plot.
I missed No. 1 in the series. This reads plenty fine as a standalone ... it's not really obvious it's book two until the lead characters start to accumulate team members and their backstories are sketched in in a way that is strongly suggestive there is a fuller description elsewhere. Despite being part of a series, it does wrap up the immediate plot line while suggesting there's at least one more adventure ahead.
Why four not five stars??
While the writing is crisp and easy to read, there are a few plot holes and a nagging feeling that I've read this storyline before. That feeling is enhanced greatly in the final quarter of the book.
Plot holes ... the Justified are super-stealth agents but repeatedly leave hyperspace contrails leading from point A to hideout B. And with the bad guy a superhuman creature of pure energy, the idea Jane could fight him hand-to-hand is so ludicrous that the author wisely has most of those take place just off-stage, but when he is finally forced to drag them into a detailed description ... yup, still seems too comic-book, too Ms. Marvel vs. Fusion Man.
So a fun book. Maybe not one you want to think too hard about.
PS ... This book's word of the day is "azure." I would hazard a guess that "azure" appears roughly four times as often as "blue" in this title.
I missed No. 1 in the series. This reads plenty fine as a standalone ... it's not really obvious it's book two until the lead characters start to accumulate team members and their backstories are sketched in in a way that is strongly suggestive there is a fuller description elsewhere. Despite being part of a series, it does wrap up the immediate plot line while suggesting there's at least one more adventure ahead.
Why four not five stars??
While the writing is crisp and easy to read, there are a few plot holes and a nagging feeling that I've read this storyline before. That feeling is enhanced greatly in the final quarter of the book.
Plot holes ... the Justified are super-stealth agents but repeatedly leave hyperspace contrails leading from point A to hideout B. And with the bad guy a superhuman creature of pure energy, the idea Jane could fight him hand-to-hand is so ludicrous that the author wisely has most of those take place just off-stage, but when he is finally forced to drag them into a detailed description ... yup, still seems too comic-book, too Ms. Marvel vs. Fusion Man.
So a fun book. Maybe not one you want to think too hard about.
PS ... This book's word of the day is "azure." I would hazard a guess that "azure" appears roughly four times as often as "blue" in this title.
May 8, 2023
Another fun entry in this delightful series of space action nonsense. Slower pace, a bit more character-driven, and a little less focused than the previous entry, this was nonetheless still an exciting page-turner. The choice of character for the first person narration was better in this installment... mostly. Some of the moments that were meant to be heartfelt emotional climaxes just came across a bit too cheesy and fell flat. Williams is at his best writing solid action sequences with a vivid sense of visual spectacle, and there's enough of that here to remain engaging even if a lot of the character-driven scenes are a bit too silly to get invested in.
It also suffers a bit from being part two of a previously unintended trilogy, with a few bits left dangling, and some unresolved questions from the first book being ignored in favour of setting up a larger conflict for part 3. Still, I enjoyed it enough to be interested in how the story concludes.
It also suffers a bit from being part two of a previously unintended trilogy, with a few bits left dangling, and some unresolved questions from the first book being ignored in favour of setting up a larger conflict for part 3. Still, I enjoyed it enough to be interested in how the story concludes.
July 15, 2019
This post-Pulse universe keeps up the mystery for our team of Justified as they search for children with talents. Jane and Esa are out to find a young Wulf when they stumble on a rival searcher who seems to have come out of nowhere. He's not biological like the other 15 sentient races or mechanical like the Barious, but something else. There are legends from before the Fall of another race who ran away and he seems to fit the bill. Once they engage with him, and fight of course, they realize he's on a mission to help his goddess and considers the other races to be nothing more than jumped-up vermin. Along the way, we learn more about Esa's forgotten childhood and Jane's upbringing and own training with the Justified and her recruiter Mo. Old pals show up by the end and the newest recruit Sho is taken away to Sanctum as things heat up.
April 20, 2025
I think my criticisms of the first one (superficial world-building, overall glib nature of the writing, overuse of italics, not really my kind of humour) are still here and worse for book two. If you liked book one, though, you will most likely enjoy this. We get a new narrator, the rescued Esa from book one, now a sullen teenage warrior who frequently has arguments with her mother-figure Jane. I'd argue Drew Williams is even worse at writing the villain here (one dangerous guy who can't be escaped, and somehow ends up feeling even less developed than the homogeneous Pax harrying them in book one). The biggest problem is that the somewhat goofy and juvenile nature of Esa is channeled a little too well, meaning the book is even more aggressively dorky. I'll finish this trilogy - I've come this far - but it's on track for being one of my least favourite modern SF works.
5/10
5/10
September 24, 2021
Drew Williams writes like you’re watching a tv show. So visual. So actiony. So good. However he does it, I can picture this book on the screen. Even if that never happens, this books is exciting, action packed and a great sequel.
In a rare turn of events, Williams makes the scale smaller. Like, it’s still space opera sci Fi tastic explodey good, but it actually feels a wee bit more intimate than the first book. Which I think is a good move for a sequel. Instead of trying to out scale the original it just delves into the core of the characters. And still manages to maintain the action.
I enjoyed this.
In a rare turn of events, Williams makes the scale smaller. Like, it’s still space opera sci Fi tastic explodey good, but it actually feels a wee bit more intimate than the first book. Which I think is a good move for a sequel. Instead of trying to out scale the original it just delves into the core of the characters. And still manages to maintain the action.
I enjoyed this.
August 26, 2023
The shift in POV from the jaded Jane to the teenage Esa gave this book a much more YA-ish feel than the first one. The combination of torture and death with dumb jokes, gratuitous profanity, and temper tantrums also made it more immature. It also needed a bit of tightening up, the same thoughts and fears and running gags are repeated too many times, and the final battle scene is quite drawn out. More questions are raised than answered, presumably to be explored further in the next book, but at this point I'm not sure I even care enough to continue. Which is too bad, because overall it's an interesting world with colourful characters, I just wish we got to experience more of it.
June 12, 2019
There are many people who'll tell you what to be, teach you what to be, and show you want to be but in the end it's your decision as what to be. That's the general theme of this book as our POV changes to Esa as she's know Jane's partner rather than cargo.
Jane and Esa locate their target relatively early but were not expecting the return of a lost race hunting them at every instance. Big booms, lots of first aid, and a new level of maturity as Esa decides who who wants to be for herself. It's also plenty of snark.
Jane and Esa locate their target relatively early but were not expecting the return of a lost race hunting them at every instance. Big booms, lots of first aid, and a new level of maturity as Esa decides who who wants to be for herself. It's also plenty of snark.
June 2, 2021
A completely great sequel to a great first book. The characters antagonists and narrative all grew in scope. I liked the new narrator, she was a perfect choice.
Look, it’s a personal preference. I prefer disconnected narratives in a trilogy. I think they are harder to do and cast a different light on the universe.
This continuous narration works wonderfully, it’s smooth and accomplished. I prefer sudden changes in perspective and time, as it helps keep it more fresh.
So it’s great workmanship and original and got heart and well written but just not my choices for narrative, personally.
Look, it’s a personal preference. I prefer disconnected narratives in a trilogy. I think they are harder to do and cast a different light on the universe.
This continuous narration works wonderfully, it’s smooth and accomplished. I prefer sudden changes in perspective and time, as it helps keep it more fresh.
So it’s great workmanship and original and got heart and well written but just not my choices for narrative, personally.
July 14, 2021
Still a faced-paced ride, just like it's predecessor, but this time the view focusses a little more. There are no "bonkers space battles" but a number of more personal fight scenes, and everything is a little more personal.
The plot runs on rails, and the characters seem happy enough to charge from scene to scene is settings that seem custom made for a movie (hmm). The characterisation is a little simple, and the logic of it all makes you wonder a bit .
But hey it's all good fun, and if you don't like this sort of thing, you should have stopped at book one.
The plot runs on rails, and the characters seem happy enough to charge from scene to scene is settings that seem custom made for a movie (hmm). The characterisation is a little simple, and the logic of it all makes you wonder a bit .
But hey it's all good fun, and if you don't like this sort of thing, you should have stopped at book one.
August 27, 2019
Great book, the world continues to impress. I liked the mentor seeking enlightenment in a luxury walled off world. The bad guy was pretty outrageous in this one. I do confess to preferring Jane as the narrator though. A more interesting character than wonder kid finding their way in the world. A very satisfying boss fight at the end on a sinking station in a world with strange alien floating columns. Pretty cool. A fun read, looking forward to more from the author.
September 11, 2022
This was fine but I didn’t like it nearly as much as the first one. I loved the first one because it was all plot- we got enough about the characters to care about them but it was 100% a space romp. This one was more serious and less action packed, and it didn’t give me the same epic feeling. I’m still going to continue the series- the audiobooks are quite good. Hoping for more explosions in space!
June 28, 2024
No idea why I can't seem to connect with these characters. Enjoyed the change in perspective.
Kamali is cool. Esa is teenagey but fine. The preacher is interesting. Mo was a vibe - but a bit of a stereotype.
The others - who knows.
The villain was interesting sci-fi wise but without true motivation felt hollow.
I'm still going to finish the trilogy. It is fun... But just doesn't quite hit for me.
Kamali is cool. Esa is teenagey but fine. The preacher is interesting. Mo was a vibe - but a bit of a stereotype.
The others - who knows.
The villain was interesting sci-fi wise but without true motivation felt hollow.
I'm still going to finish the trilogy. It is fun... But just doesn't quite hit for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2020
This book really is the perfect light space-opera type sci-fi. Epic battles, snarky banter, and some surprisingly compelling observations about the things that form us. I have to say that I almost enjoyed this one more than the first. Esa makes a wonderful narrator with a voice that is so very, very teenager-trying-to-be-adult.
July 5, 2020
More of the same, which is a good thing in this case. It starts with another rescue of a gifted child during which our heroes encounter a mysterious, super powerful villain who plays cat and mouse with them over three further set pieces, in between which they discuss how the characters are changing each other and what it means to defend individual lives in the face of hateful zealotry.
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